Raul Meireles in talks over Fenerbahce transfer after only a season at Chelsea

Fenerbahce have revealed they have opened talks with Chelsea over a deal for Portuguese midfielder Raul Meireles, who only signed for the Blues last year.

Raul Meireles looks set to join Fenerbahce (Picture: Getty Images)

The news comes after the Turkish outfit missed out on another Chelsea player last week – with Michael Essien snubbing their interest to join Real Madrid on a season-long loan.

But Fenerbahce have drawn up a lengthy list of alternatives, as the club look to land a top-class replacement for midfield maestro Emre after he joined Atletico Madrid earlier in the summer.

Top of the pile is Chelsea’s talented midfielder Meireles, with Fenerbahce confirming that talks are already underway over a deal.

‘Fenerbache have begun official transfer talks with Chelsea footballer Raul Meireles,’ the club announced.

The 29-year-old, who moved to Stamford Bridge from Liverpool last summer, enjoyed a hugely successful first season with the Blues, making 45 appearances and scoring six goals as Chelsea lifted the Champions League and FA Cup titles.

But Meireles has been frozen out this term following the arrival of several big-name stars over the summer, and Chelsea are now willing to do business if they can get a healthy fee of around £10million.

It is understood Fenerbache officials are already in London for negotiations, and hope the deal will completed before the close of the Turkish transfer window.